Thanks to dramatic occurrences on some college campuses in advance of appearances by some guest speakers and, to a large extent, President Donald Trump’s aggressiveness toward certain newspapers and television networks, many are fearing a chill in the realm of free speech in the United States.

Many have criticized Trump’s economic actions against China, saying that no one wins in a trade war and that it will cause American consumers a lot of pain. One exception is Arizona Republic columnist Bob Robb, a self-proclaimed ardent free trader. He thinks a trade war with China may be necessary.

This week, National Guard troops from Arizona and other states have started moving south to reinforce and support the U.S Border Patrol. In the meantime, another part of President Trump’s border security plan is also underway: The wall.

The Equal Rights Amendment was a powerful force decades ago in the United States, but its momentum slowed and not enough states ratified it by 1982 to make it official. Since then, 23 states have added equal rights amendments to their state constitutions. Arizona isn’t one of them.

These “walk-ins” are not yet "walkouts," though organizers have indicated that would be a looming possibility. For now, teachers and supporters come together in front of schools before class to protest low pay and school funding shortfalls, and then walk into school together in a show of unity.

Maintaining the Salt River Project’s pipes, ditches and canals poses unique technical and workforce problems. In this installment of the Arizona Science Desk’s “Lifeblood of the Desert” series, we explore how SRP is working with Arizona State University on some novel helpers.

There are just over 1,000 schools across Arizona rallying Wednesday, walking into classrooms and not out, yet. For organizers, a strike would be the next step, depending on how much support they see at schools.Follow Twitter Updates From Valley Walk-Ins →

The Phoenix Film Festival is in full swing this week, and filmmakers from all over the world are showcasing their work. Every year the festival pays special attention to movies made in Arizona. This year, Phoenix gets a spotlight.

Earlier this month, The Denver Post became the latest newspaper to announce it will make deeper staff cuts. When these layoffs are completed, the Post’s staff is expected to be at fewer than 100 people.

The city of Phoenix created a trees and shade plan way back in 2010, but some say not much progress has been made since it was introduced. A group of residents are petitioning the city council to force them to take action.